Welcome to the Christmas update there are plenty of events and things happening at Cromford Studio and Gallery in the run up to Christmas.Our featured artist exhibition for December is Ruth Gray whose town and landscapes are becoming well known in the area for capturing not just the look but the atmosphere of well known high streets and landmarks.

'Ruth Gray was born in Nottingham in 1972. After graduating in Textiles at The Nottingham Trent University 1992, she began her artistic career as a fashion designer. At the same time she began studying art at night school. This is where she saw painting and fine art as a vehicle as a means to express her creativity.

It wasn’t until immigrating to Australia in 2003 that she could turn it into a full time career, working with art societies and galleries and exploring all forms of painting styles. Deciding to further her education again at Nottingham Trent University Ruth returned to the UK and gained a 1st Class Honours Degree in International Fashion Business in 2010. Ruth has taken part in over 100 exhibitions and has had many solo shows including The Route of the Ripley Rattlers at DH Lawrence Museum and ‘Anything but Grey’ at The Lally Gallery Erewash Museum.

Enjoying using a variety of media over the years it is only in the last two years however, Ruth has sought to redefine her style. Figurative work has enabled her to express her ideas about locality and community life. Landscapes, Cityscapes and Seascapes are also common themes that help express her love for the world around her.

Her artistic influences are clearly seen in her work. Turner has been a long-term inspiration, so to that of the Australian Impressionists such as Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and Charles Conder. Her deepest passion however is her love for the forgotten towns. You will notice that many of her compositions are based around street or declining high street scenes and this provides the backdrop to many of her themes.'

See the slide show below for examples of Ruths work.

During December the gallery will be hosting two late night shopping events Friday December 5th and Friday December 12th till 8pm. We have an expanding range of ceramics, jewellry and cards and gifts brought in especially for Christmas so avoid the crowds and call in for some calm gift buying away from the hustle and bustle! Buying your gifts from us this year means you will be purchasing one of a kind presents not found anywhere else as well as supporting local artisans. If you cant quite make up your mind we offer gift vouchers too! December the 20th we will be celebrating here at the gallery with festive refreshments and two artists for our annual Christmas Open Arts Day. We will be releasing more information on this event later on in the month.